Thomas Cook cancels summer programme to Sharm el-Sheikh
Thomas Cook has become the latest airline to cancel all flights to Sharm el-Sheikh this summer.
The airline said it had taken the decision as there had been no change to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice with regards to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh airport.
"In light of this, and given that we have no clear indication as to when the FCO travel advice may change, Thomas Cook can confirm that it has taken the decision to cancel all bookings to Sharm el Sheikh up to and including Monday 31 October," it said today.
It had previously cancelled flights until May 25.
Last month, easyJet announced it was cancelling flights to Sharm from Manchester, Luton and Gatwick for the rest of the summer, although it still plans to resume flights from Stansted on May 29, assuming the government gives the go ahead.
Thomas Cook said customers who had already booked trips up to October 31 could cancel or amend their holidays to other destinations free of charge, paying only any difference in price. Those who book a new holiday departing before October 31 will receive a £30 per person discount.
Thomas Cook is individually contacting customers whose bookings are affected, prioritising those due to travel soonest.
It said staff numbers had been increased in its contact centre to deal with call volumes.
"Any customers with immediate concerns and who unable to visit one of our shops should call our dedicated customer phone line, open 24 hours a day, on 01733 224 536.
"A dedicated line for travel agent enquiries has also been set up, open from 8.30 am to 7pm (10-5pm Sunday) on 01733 224 520," it said.
Booking conditions remain as normal for travel after Monday 31 October 2016, pending further FCO advice, it said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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